"Baya de Todos os Sanctos", de Laet, Joannes

This rare map of Salvador and Baia de Todos os Santos (Bay of Saints) is a depiction of the Dutch attack and capture of the city of Salvador in May 1624. Salvador, then the capital of Brazil, was a strategic port under Portuguese control. The Dutch, determined to seize control of Brazil, formed the West India Company in 1621 and sent a large expedition to Brazil. On May 8, 1624, the Dutch fleet under the command of Admiral Jacob Willekens and Vice Admiral Pieter Heyn arrived in Salvador and attacked the city. The Dutch succeeded in capturing the city, although the Portuguese regained control less than a year later. This map depicts the city of Salvador and its fortifications, with the Dutch ships advancing on the city. The remainder of the coastline is sparsely engraved with a few small towns, churches, and settlements. The map is oriented with north to the left and features a handsome strapwork cartouche that incorporates the distance scale. Published in de Laet's account of the history of the Dutch West India Company from its beginnings to 1636.

References: Phillips (Atlases) #3647.

Condition: A

Watermarked paper with a couple of minor printer's creases.